The Daily Beans – “Cultural Asbestos” (February 19, 2026)

Host: Allison Gill (AG), Dana Goldberg (DG)
Featured Guest: Phil Williams
Main Theme:
Today's episode focuses on the intersection of white supremacy, Christian nationalism, domestic extremism, the mainstreaming of hate, and failures in government accountability—plus activism for social justice and community organizing in the face of regressive policy. Special guest Phil Williams discusses his investigative journalism into the rise of organized hate, their emboldened presence in America, and the new Substack, "Hate Comes to Main Street."

Key Discussion Points & Insights

News Roundup and “Hot Notes”

[01:02–24:35]

1. Lawsuit Over Pride Flag at Stonewall National Monument

• A group of nonprofits, led by the Gilbert Baker Foundation, is suing the Trump administration to restore the Pride flag at the Stonewall monument in Greenwich Village.
• The lawsuit notes that historic context allows the display of such flags at national monuments, similar to existing exceptions for Confederate flags.
• DG: "It's okay for ye, but not for thee, huh?" [04:01]
• AG: "You want to be a bigoted dick face? Well, then you also have to fly the pride flag where we say it’s Stonewall." [04:05]

2. ICE Abuse, Family Letters Destroyed

• ICE officers raided Dilley, TX, destroying children’s family letters and artwork, after ProPublica shared their content highlighting suffering in detention.
• AG filed a FOIA request: "It is unconscionable… I will keep everyone posted on how this FOIA request goes." [06:14–07:21]

3. Violent ICE Arrest and Systemic Cover-Up

• St. Paul Police and FBI investigate the brutality against Alberto Can Mondon, whose skull was fractured during an ICE arrest. Multiple injuries are inconsistent with ICE’s account.
• DG: "There's video that contradicts your sworn testimony, sir. Would you like to fix your statement?" [08:54]

4. Asbestos Exposure at DHS Facilities

• DHS, under Secretary Kristi Noem, exposed staff to asbestos during a rush demolition of old federal buildings. No proper signage, protections, or air quality tests provided.
• AG quoting a former staffer: "If you come in the main hallway... you’ll never know you’re walking into a demolition zone with asbestos in the air." [10:38]

5. Fulton County Election Raid Affidavit Challenged

• The FBI’s search warrant for Fulton County's election facility is blasted as unconstitutional, reliant on discredited, biased witnesses, and lacking probable cause.
• DG, quoting county officials: "This is hardly a collection of unbiased or credible experts." [12:49]
• AG: "If you strip out all of the conspiracy theories, there's no probable cause for the warrant in the first place." [13:36]

6. Stephen Colbert vs. CBS Lawyers

• Colbert publicly pushed back against CBS’ legal statement regarding his unaired interview with Texas Senate candidate James Talarico, satirizing the network’s attempt to “cover their butts.”
• Colbert: "Now, this is a surprisingly small piece of paper, considering how many butts it's trying to cover." [14:08]
• AG summarizes: Colbert “fired back... They knew damn well that every word of my script last night was approved by CBS lawyers.” [16:04]

7. Veterans Disability Benefits Slashed

• The VA adjusts rules so that disability is measured by a veteran’s functioning while medicated, not by underlying impairment—likely reducing benefits and endangering lives.
• AG: "It's so fucked up... If you manage your diabetes [with medication], your blood sugar doesn't count. You get no compensation." [18:46]
• AG further: "I told you they were going to come after veterans benefits. And these veterans did not believe me." [19:12]

8. Department of Education Rolls Back Anti-DEI Directive

• DOE backs down from attempts to restrict Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs after legal pressure.
• AG reads ACLU statement: "This ruling affirms what educators and communities have long known. Celebrating the full existence of every person and sharing the truth about our history is essential." [19:41]

Main Interview: Phil Williams on “Hate Comes to Main Street”

[24:35–44:54]

Introduction

• AG introduces Phil Williams, called “Nashville’s nosiest bitch” by John Oliver, investigative reporter and founder of new Substack, Hate Comes to Main Street [24:35].
• Williams is lauded for exposing local and national white supremacist and extremist figures, including Congressman Andy Ogles.
• AG: “You exposed that... and got him at least the start of an investigation by the FBI.” [24:20]

Williams’ Media Move and Motivation

• Williams on launching Substack: “I still have very strong support from my corporate bosses... Substack was just a way for me to broaden my impact... I have really developed this singular focus... on the rise of hate and extremism in our country.” [25:51]
• Aims to bring knowledge gained from deep Tennessee/local reporting to a wider, national audience.

The “Triple Threat”: Hate Group Convergence

• Williams identifies:
  • White supremacy
  • Christian nationalism
  • QAnon/conspiratorial extremism
• “Where they had once been part of a Venn diagram, they had fed off of each other to the point that they were almost indistinguishable at times.” [28:17]
• “All three... are driven... by this sense of anxiety about losing control—whether it’s the browning of America, rising political influence of women, or declining influence of religious institutions.” [29:29]
• “They are willing to sacrifice democracy if necessary in order to maintain control.” [30:09]

The Mainstreaming of Hate

• AG: “We see the use of Nazi propaganda by the Department of Homeland Security... Now that very fringe theory has made its way not into just mainstream media politics and on Main Street... but into the levers of power, into the White House, into Congress, into the halls of Congress. That’s what makes this such an emergency.” [35:45]
• Williams: The phrase “re-migration,” coined by European neo-Nazis, is now mainstream among U.S. political rhetoric [36:32].
• Williams likens unchecked local hate groups to an “unattended brush fire” that becomes a “wild fire” when ignored. [37:45]

Radicalization and Recruitment

• Williams spotlights American Renaissance Conference, noting attendees' open discussion of political violence.
• Draws connection to economic inequality and how it contributes to radicalization.
• AG: “They prey on young, angry men who feel like they've been left behind and give them someone to blame and give them a family and a community.” [41:44–43:06]
• Williams: “He is so blinded by this rage and ... a sense of being betrayed by the system that he’s willing to risk it all and to go to the Capitol and engage in the assault on police officers.” [43:19]

Subscribe to “Hate Comes to Main Street”

• Content includes investigative context, regular interviews (e.g., filmmaker Michael Primo on Proud Boys), and broader analysis.
• “Hopefully this will be a journey that we can all travel together.” [41:37]
• AG endorses, noting importance of widely accessible content: “It’s just so important that we educate ourselves on this rising hate that is now permeated our federal government, and how we can push back against it, expose it like you’ve been doing for years.” [44:08]

Notable Quotes & Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote/Moment | |-------------|---------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 04:05 | Allison Gill | “You want to be a bigoted dick face? Well, then you also have to fly the pride flag where we say it's Stonewall.” | | 06:14 | Allison Gill | “This is unconscionable. So I have filed a Freedom of Information act request for those letters confiscated from the children by ICE.” | | 10:38 | DHS Employee (via AG) | “If you come in the main hallway, though, you'll never know you're walking into a demolition zone with asbestos in the air.” | | 13:36 | Allison Gill | “If you strip out all of the conspiracy theories, there's no probable cause for the warrant in the first place.” | | 16:04 | Stephen Colbert (paraphrased via AG) | “…They knew damn well that every word of my script last night was approved by CBS lawyers who for the record approve every script that goes on the air...” | | 18:46 | Allison Gill | “It's so fucked up... If you manage your diabetes [with medication], your blood sugar doesn't count. You get no compensation for your disability.” | | 28:17 | Phil Williams | “Where they had once been part of a Venn diagram, they had fed off of each other to the point that they were almost indistinguishable at times.” | | 29:29 | Phil Williams | “All three... are driven... by this sense of anxiety about losing control—whether it’s the browning of America, rising political influence of women, or declining influence of religious institutions.” | | 30:09 | Phil Williams | “They are willing to sacrifice democracy if necessary in order to maintain control.” | | 36:32 | Phil Williams | “The term re migration was originally popularized by a neo Nazi from Europe named Martin Selner. And so you have a term that began with far right European neo Nazis that has now become a part of mainstream American political discourse...” |

Good News & Activism

[47:37-end]

• Listeners share community shout-outs, good news, and activism:
  • Spotlights on organizations aiding farm workers and demilitarization.
  • Heartfelt tributes to educators striking for fair treatment.
  • Community health and recovery stories.
  • Ongoing calls for public comments against new VA rules harming veterans.
  • Animal adoption and feel-good anecdotes.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Intro & News Rundown: 01:02–24:35
• Phil Williams Interview:
  • Introduction & motivations: 24:35–27:11
  • The triple threat & mainstreaming hate: 27:11–38:13
  • Radicalization & recruitment: 38:13–43:49
  • Substack & call to action: 43:49–44:54
• Listener Good News & Activism: 47:37–end

Tone and Style

• Mix of fierce critique, empathy, and dark humor (“snark”)
• Deep concern for social justice and marginalized communities
• Candid, sometimes explicit language (“dick face,” “fuck,” “bullshit”)
• Commitment to accessible news, community organizing, and direct action

Summary Takeaway

This episode of The Daily Beans delivers a sobering look at the rise and mainstreaming of organized hate in the U.S., government failures on immigrants’ and veterans’ rights, and the critical importance of investigative journalism, activism, and engaged, educated communities. Phil Williams’ deep-dive into “Hate Comes to Main Street” is essential listening for understanding extremist threats—and the imperative to shine sunlight on them. The episode closes with grassroots hope, mutual support, and reminders that action—whether legal challenges, public comment, or just spreading good news—matters.